Music N' More: Ritchie Blackmore Through the Years

We all know that not everyone ages so gracefully. Everyone sees beauty differently. For some reason, some think "The Man in Black" has either aged like milk left in the sun too long or aged rather nicely. People also have opinions about whether they think he's more down to earth in his older years or he's still the moody, arrogant opinionated jerk he's always been. This post is inspired by a post I seen on Loudwire. Only it was not Ritchie Blackmore; it was Tom Araya from Slayer. It was a sort of slideshow showing him through the years. It also said he was one of the greatest guitarists of metal. Opinions can differ there. That's fine; everyone is entitled to an opinion. While I'm not partial to Slayer, it's cool that someone did a presentation showing Tom Araya over the years. He's a handsome guy, even now.

I thought I would do something like that but of a guitarist I like. I'm not in to Slayer; I don't really care for their music, but I'm glad they are around. I am a Deep Purple fan, however. I do not think Ritchie is the egotistical monster some think he is. I seen a documentary on him called The Ritchie Blackmore Story. It's very good. The person behind the documentary talks to him and others who know him or have worked with him and Ritchie seems like a terribly kind guy, just very intensely private. He obviously wants privacy from the prying eyes of the world, especially after all the drama of Deep Purple or Rainbow. He seems very down to earth, very personable. He seems like the kind of guy who will take interest in what you're saying and pay attention to you. Overall, a very kind man

Early 1960s

15 years old and already playing breakneck fast...

1968

Mark I lineup of Deep Purple
L-R: Ritchie Blackmore (guitar), Ian Paice (drums, red shirt), Jon Lord (keyboard, white shirt), Nick Simper (bass), Rod Evans (vocals)

1970